International Sustainable Energy Development Activities
Third Planet is accredited by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change as an NGO (non-governmental organization) observer, and was also accredited to participate in the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2002.
We provide education, training, and public awareness to developing countries in support of Article 6 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and Chapter 36 of the United Nations’ Agenda 21 on sustainable development.
We have established excellent working relationships at the national governmental level with developing countries, and with major international organizations working on these issues.
Our approach is to partner with key stakeholders to provide education, training, and public awareness and assist them in implementing renewable energy/climate change solutions.
CURRENT INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES
1. Sustainable Energy Development for the Bahamas
Due to the vast expanse of its 700 islands, in many ways this archipelagic nation faces far more daunting energy and climate adaptation challenges than most countries. The physical nature of the many distinct islands of the Bahamas makes it exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to create a networked energy distribution infrastructure. This makes the nation virtually dependent on imported oil. And with many of its islands barely above sea level, the Bahamas is particularly vulnerable to sea level rise due to climate change.
In September 2005 Third Planet was invited to advise the Government of the Bahamas on strategies for deploying solar technologies, and on developing renewable energy policies. In the following 9 months, we made arrangements for key speakers, attended related conferences in Nassau and Washington, and met with many key stakeholders (government ministers and administrators, government commissions, the Inter-American Development Bank, Small Island Developing States (SIDS)-Tourism officials, and local business leaders including the hotel association) to discuss renewable energy needs and roadmaps for implementation.
Among our many outreach activities Third Planet president, Robert Farmer, delivered the keynote presentation to a Bahamas Hotel Association and Bahamas Ministry of Tourism workshop on "Reducing Energy Costs with Greater Efficiency”.
Summary Report:
In most countries there are considerable legislative, regulatory, administrative and institutional barriers that must be to be overcome in order to introduce new paradigms. The barriers to widespread deployment of renewable energy in the Bahamas are no different.
From the government itself, the business community, and the international investment community, it is clear that while there is great interest there is no sense of organized purpose in the Bahamas to transition to more sustainable forms of energy for power and transportation or to improved energy efficiency.
It is our experience that, no matter where, government can only do so much without public involvement, and business leaders can only bring about change over greater periods of time. In our opinion the Bahamas does not have the luxury of time on its side. While we continue to work with the government, we are convinced that what is needed is a groundswell of public support for renewable energy and energy efficiency measures linked into a national energy policy.
In a parallel effort, a groundswell of support must be developed for national and international investment in climate change adaptation measures and sustainable community development.
We believe that this support must come through the development of a “true” Bahamas champion for such policies. Not necessarily an individual but an organization of Bahamas’ nationals to be the champion of the people.
Third Planet is well positioned to assist. We understand the needs, we know how to organize, and we now know many Bahamians who are interested in change and who might become involved in a Bahamian NGO organized for these purposes. Third Planet is now seeking the funding to take these ideas to a next level: to organize, educate, and assist this proposed NGO in championing sustainable energy and climate change adaptation developments in the Bahamas.
2. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Accreditation
Based on our work in South Florida, in 2000 Third Planet received accreditation from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change as an observer NGO.
This accreditation permits Third Planet to participate at the highest level in all the international meetings on climate change.
We have participated at meetings in London (The Royal Institute of International Affairs); The Hague (COP-6 — Sixth Conference of the Parties); Washington, DC (Pew Center); and Bonn, Germany (SB-16 — Sixteenth Meetings of the Subsidiary Bodies).
3. United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development Accreditation
In 2002 Third Planet received accreditation from the United Nations to participate in the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) and the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD).
We have participated at meetings in Johannesburg, South Africa (World Summit on Sustainable Development-WSSD); and New York (CSD-11; and the World Business Council on Sustainable Development-WBCSD).
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